Terminal Hiding Image Annotations via Digital Watermarking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not provide an effective way to hide and protect annotation information on images, leading to privacy concerns when users lend or lose their mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A terminal with an information collection and processing unit that acquires and embeds subsidiary information and authentication data into an image file, allowing only authenticated users to access the hidden information, using digital watermarking for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subsidiary information is displayed on the image for user convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but information security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the subsidiary information from the visible image display and embeds it into the image file data structure. The information is removed from the visual domain and stored in the digital file domain, where it can be protected by authentication mechanisms while remaining accessible to authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an authentication information intermediary layer between the image display and the subsidiary information. This intermediary controls access to the hidden information, allowing legitimate users to view the information while preventing unauthorized access, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.
2Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are added to protect subsidiary information, then information security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing image file structure and embedded file system capabilities of mobile devices to store and protect subsidiary information. By leveraging the universal image viewing functionality already present in devices, the solution avoids adding specialized hardware or complex dedicated systems, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving security goals.
3Reliability
If subsidiary information is embedded into the image file, then information security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the authentication process is automatically triggered when a user views an image containing embedded subsidiary information. The system automatically verifies authentication credentials and displays or hides information accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually configure security settings or understand complex authentication procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a terminal which includes an an information collection unit configured to acquire subsidiary information added to a current image by a user and collect authentication information relating to the user according to an information hiding command received by the current image, an information processing unit configured to execute the following steps: eliminating the subsidiary information on the current image, and embedding the subsidiary information and the authentication information into a file of the current image from which the subsidiary information is eliminated in a related manner, or eliminating a display identifier of the subsidiary information on the current image, and embedding the subsidiary information, the display identifier, and the authentication information into the file of the current image from which the display identifier is eliminated from in a related manner. The present invention further provides a method for hiding and protecting data information.